About the course

This unique programme is designed to provide an education in the underlying scientific principles of physical therapy (physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports therapy) and an opportunity to experience the clinical application of specialist rehabilitation techniques with expert clinicians at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH).

Students can expect to acquire a broad and deep understanding of the science underpinning a physical therapy approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. In addition, the MSc builds on cognitive skills, and students will emerge creative in their thinking and highly skilled in analysis and evaluation, and thus ideally placed to become innovative leaders within their field.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits), and a research project (60 credits).

On successful completion of this programme, students can expect to assume leadership positions in clinical practice in the NHS or in private practice, for those with a prior clinical qualification. Graduates will also be well placed to enter academic or clinical research or a biomedical/healthcare-related position in industry.

Employability
Graduates are likely to be highly attractive to prospective employers; not only will they have gained multi-disciplinary knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and treatments for musculoskeletal disease and dysfunction, but importantly they will have developed their skills in analysis and evaluation of information and creation of new ideas. These higher-level cognitive skills are highly sought after by employers.

Why study this degree at UCL?
This programme is unique in that it covers the basic science informing a physical therapy approach to treatment. The programme encourages students to integrate knowledge across modules and to use a multi-dimensional approach to patient management.

The programme is delivered through a partnership between internationally renowned UCL academics and world-leading specialist clinicians at the RNOH, providing students with excellent networking opportunities with academics, clinical professionals and like-minded peers.

UCL was rated as the best university for research strength in the UK in the latest Research Excellence Framework (December 2014). The RNOH has a worldwide reputation for ground-breaking neuro-musculoskeletal healthcare and specialist rehabilitation.

Application and next steps

Applications

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

Who can apply?

The programme is aimed at medical professionals (GPs, rheumatologists, nurses) with an interest in the musculoskeletal system, physical therapists (physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, chiropodists) and biomedical science and bioengineering graduates with an interest in musculoskeletal science.

What are we looking for?

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

Why do you want to study Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Healthcare and Rehabilitation at graduate level?

Why you want to study Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Healthcare and Rehabilitation at UCL?

What particularly attracts you to this programme?

How does your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of a challenging and truly international academic environment?

Where would you like to go professionally with your degree?

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.